Instructional Practices Research Articles

A Meta-Analysis on Teachers’ Growth Mindset

The concept of growth mindset—an individual’s beliefs that basic characteristics such as intelligence are malleable—has gained immense popularity in research, the media, and educational practice. Even though it is assumed that teachers need a growth mindset and that both teachers and their students benefit when teachers adopt a growth mindset, systematic syntheses of the potential advantages of a growth mindset in teachers are lacking. Therefore, in this article, we present the first meta-analysis on teachers’ growth mindset and its relationships with multiple outcomes (50 studies, 81 effect sizes; N = 19,555). Multilevel analyses showed a small effect across outcomes. Statistically significant small-to-typical positive associations between teachers’ growth mindset and their motivation in terms of self-efficacy and mastery goals were observed in subgroup analyses. No statistically significant relationships were found with teachers’ performance-approach goals, teachers’ performance-avoidance goals, teachers’ performance on achievement tests, or student achievement. Teachers’ growth mindset was related to instructional practices in terms of mastery goal structures but unrelated to performance goal structures. Moderator analyses indicated that the dimensionality of the mindset measure (recoded from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset measure vs. assessed as a growth mindset), item referent and content of the mindset measure, publication status (published vs. unpublished), world region, educational level, and study quality influenced the strengths of some of the relationships. Overall, our findings extend knowledge about teachers’ mindset and add to the evidence base on teacher characteristics and their links to relevant outcomes.

Interplay of Group and Individualized Laboratory Activities in Practical Physics

Advocacy has been made for varied teaching strategies towards enhancing the cognitive attainment of students particularly at high schools. Much has not been done on the engagement of learners in laboratory activities for practical physics. We investigated the effect of laboratory activities on students’ performance in practical physics in selected secondary schools focusing on group and individual activities. Two research questions and one hypothesis guided the study. It is a quasi-experimental design using pre-test and post-test with experimental groups. The instrument used was a researchers developed performance test tagged “Practical Physics Performance Test (PPPT). A reliability coefficient of r=0.77 was obtained using Kuder-Richardson KR-21 method. The experiment was conducted for a period of six weeks after which the posttest was administered to the three groups. Research questions were answered using mean and standard deviation. The null hypothesis was tested using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). The result revealed that students taught practical physics using group laboratory activity performed significantly more than students that were taught practical physics using individualized and lecturing activities. Teachers are therefore required re-strategies on how best to involve students into group laboratory activities during practical physics instructions to facilitate high level cognition. Sub-group approach that are monitored by the teacher with hybrid of fast and slow learners can be adopted.

Policy, Practice, and Perceptions of K-12 Social-Emotional Learning

The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of K-12 school staff who participate in social-emotional learning (SEL). Since the global pandemic, several school districts have included SEL as part of the school curriculum. Teachers, counselors, social workers, school psychologists, and school administrators participate in SEL instruction and/or practices. Classroom teachers instruct students in SEL instruction and other school staff practice the SEL components of self-awareness, self-management, decision-making, social awareness, and relationship skills through their daily interactions with students. This study was conducted in various schools throughout the Los Angeles area using open-ended interview questions that utilized focus groups and individual interviews according to their school positions. The schools were invited to participate in purposeful sampling. The participants were invited and selected to include the diversity of student population, size, location, and SEL programs. Interview questions examined the participants’ perceptions of the SEL program, practices, and school policy. Data collection involved note-taking and/or voice recordings.

The Impact of Digital Technologies on English Literacy Development Among Undergraduate Students

This research explores the extensive have an effect on of virtual generation on the improvement of English literacy in university college students. The effect of digital systems on literacy abilities is becoming an important discipline of studies as they keep to dominate conversation and getting to know environments. It examines how digital technology might enhance literacy via interactive and multimodal getting to know tools, in addition to the problems they pose, such as the growth in casual language use associated diversions. Data become collected from semester four through qualitative method which includes surveys, interviews and observation, to evaluate alterations in reading and writing competencies. The outcomes show that digital tools can decorate reading comprehension with personalized and attractive content material, however they also can promote fragmented reading habits and casual writing patterns. The article explores the consequences of these findings for instructional practices proposing a properly-rounded use of digital generation in literacy practice to maximize their benefits at the same time as minimizing their negative aspects. This has a look at provides to the discussion on generation’s role in education, emphasizing the importance of implementing techniques that effectively combine virtual gear into literacy programs.

Exploring teaching methods for middle school English vocabulary in China: Based on observation of high-quality lessons in people’s education edition

This study investigates the methodologies used in teaching vocabulary in middle school English classrooms, focusing on the interconnections among class types, parts of speech, teaching stages, and methods. By combining offline classroom observations with a review of 99 high-quality online lessons from the People’s Education Edition, the research provides a comprehensive comparison of vocabulary instruction practices. The findings reveal that vocabulary instruction is often embedded within broader lessons on listening and speaking, reading, writing, and grammar rather than being addressed in dedicated sessions, and that there is significant variability among teachers in core vocabulary selection and instructional approaches. The study concludes that there is a lack of consistent and dedicated vocabulary teaching methods across different class types. This research offers valuable insights for educators to develop more targeted and effective vocabulary teaching strategies, aiming to improve vocabulary acquisition among middle school students.

Instructional Practices by Engineering Graphics and Design Teachers: A Focus on Teaching and Learning of Isometric Drawing

This qualitative study was conducted to investigate the instructional practices used by Engineering Graphics and Design (EGD) to teach Isometric Drawing (ID). This enquiry was necessitated by the growing concern from subject advisors and teachers about the poor performance of learners in isometric drawing. In an attempt to meet the objectives, this study adopted an interpretivist position to understand the instructional practices employed by teachers in teaching isometric drawing. This study used seven (7) EGD teachers who were conveniently selected, it is worth noting that the sample was influenced by the fact that EGD is a subject that is not common hence not many schools offer it. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and was analyzed using a thematic analysis. Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) was used as a framework that underpinned this study. Findings from this study indicated that all EGD teachers have the common understanding that ID involves converting 2d orthographic view into a 3d figure. The findings further revealed that teachers rely heavily on models, YouTube videos and AutoCAD to develop learners’ spatial ability which is a very important skill. The study recommended that there should be no teacher hired to teach EGD without being fully trained. The study further recommended that future research should be conducted on learners to get their insight on why they are performing poorly in ID.

A Systematic Review of the Impact of Web-based Professionals in Enhancing Student’s Learning Outcomes

This conceptual paper investigates the evolutions, and effect of web-based professional development (WPD) on English teachers' instructional practices and the subsequent effects on students' learning outcomes. It examines the evolution from traditional in-person workshops to dynamic online learning environments and discusses how WPD can address the pedagogical needs of the 21st-century classroom. Key components of effective WPD, such as interactive content, personalized learning paths, and continuous support mechanisms, are explored to determine how they contribute to teacher proficiency and pedagogical innovation. This research is characterised as a systematic review of the the paper presents empirical insights from recent studies, highlighting the direct correlation between WPD and improvements in students’ English language proficiency, engagement, and self-regulated learning skills. It also addresses the challenges and limitations of WPD, including accessibility, the digital divide, and the need for face-to-face interactions. Concluding remarks emphasize the necessity for ongoing research, equitable access, quality assurance, and blended learning models in the continuous development of WPD programs. This paper argues that, despite its challenges, WPD remains a critical tool for enhancing educational practices and outcomes in the rapidly evolving landscape of English language education. This comprehensive exploration of WPD underscores its potential to significantly impact educational practices and outcomes. As we move forward, it is crucial to build on the insights and lessons learned, continuously seeking ways to innovate and improve professional development for the benefit of teachers and students alike.

Exploring teacher discourse patterns: Comparative insights from novice and expert teachers in junior high school EFL contexts

Effective teacher discourse is critical in improving English as a foreign language (EFL) education, particularly in junior high schools in China, where students are at a crucial stage in their language development. As junior high school students are at a pivotal developmental stage, this research investigates the discourse patterns employed by novice and expert teachers to assess their impact on students' engagement and language acquisition. Despite the extensive research on teacher discourse in higher education, a significant gap remains regarding its application in compulsory primary education settings. This study aims to fill this gap by examining the current classroom discourse patterns of EFL teachers in junior high schools to identify the distinctions between novice and expert teachers and explore the factors contributing to these differences. This mixed-methods study includes qualitative and quantitative analyses. Verbatim transcriptions of six classes were used to create a corpus exceeding 20,000 words. The data were analysed using cross-tabulation in Excel and Chi-square tests in SPSS 22.0, complemented by semi-structured interviews with selected teachers. The theoretical framework is grounded in Long's（1996）interaction hypothesis, which underlines the significance of communication in facilitating language proficiency through meaningful interaction, and the analysis follows Sinclair and Coulthard's（1975）discourse patterns. The initiation-response-feedback (IRF) and initiation-response-0 (IR0) emerged as predominant patterns among both novice and expert teachers. Novice teachers predominantly relied on the basic IRF pattern, while expert teachers exhibited greater flexibility and more frequent use of variant patterns, such as IRFR, I[RnFn] and [InRn]F. Such adaptability among expert teachers creates a more interactive and engaging learning environment, thereby enhancing student participation and language acquisition. The study also identifies a novel variant structure, IRnF, used more frequently by expert teachers, underlining the benefits of group work in fostering teamwork and independent thinking. Expert teachers demonstrated a greater propensity to adapt their discourse strategies to foster a more production-oriented learning environment, which was the main factor driving the teachers' differing discourse patterns. This study significantly contributes to the analysis of teacher discourse in the junior high school EFL context, providing empirical evidence and practical insights that bridge the gap between theory and practice. By elucidating the distinct discourse practices of novice and expert teachers, this study offers valuable recommendations for teacher professional development and highlights the importance of employing varied and interactive discourse structures to improve EFL teaching effectiveness. The study also provides valuable insights for educators striving to improve their instructional practices and the language acquisition in EFL classrooms.

Skills Development in Hydrologic Sciences for Cohorts of Graduate Students from Morocco, Egypt, Türkiye, and Indonesia

AbstractIn developing countries in Africa and Asia, meeting challenges of water scarcity and pollution has often been hampered by shortcomings in higher education, including insufficient research productivity and funding, lack of opportunity for university graduates, and a mismatch between university activities and societal needs. To address these issues, we developed novel programs integrating technical instruction and preparation for professional practice in hydrology for cohorts of graduate students from Morocco and Egypt (2012–2013) and from Türkiye and Indonesia (2013–2014). Students participated in an initial online course and a follow‐up workshop featuring geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, and hydrologic modeling with internet‐based data sets. Field activities in the USA (first cohort) and in the students’ home countries (second cohort) included stream gauging, measurement of water levels in wells, water sampling, and measurement of hydrochemical parameters. A subsequent online course focused on research ethics, preparing proposals and publications, and presenting findings to technical audiences and the public, culminating in presentations at conferences in the USA. Participants mentored other students at their home institutions and at K‐12 schools in Türkiye and Indonesia. Participant feedback during and after the programs tended to be strongly positive, and participants have continued to engage with project leaders and mentor students in their home countries and the USA. Our modular, hybrid approach offers a template for students in hydrology and related fields to develop relevant skills and engage internationally.

Press the Button: Designing Learning from Home – The Teacher's Willingness to Change the School Work Routine

What are the challenges and prerequisites for successfully reshaping instructional practices for home-based or remote digital learning? The success of organizational change processes is largely contingent on the willingness of those involved. This article investigates the factors influencing teachers' readiness to digitize their daily work routines, particularly in terms of teaching and learning processes. A total of 72 teachers from vocational schools in Germany participated via the SmartSurvey App during the Covid-19 Pandemic. The quantitative analysis is structured across three levels: firstly, assessing how teachers adapted to the new reality of remote work; secondly, analyzing their readiness to navigate the new instructional landscape characterized by remote teaching and learning processes; and thirdly, exploring teachers' overall attitudes towards digital media and their competency in media-didactics, drawing connections to the remote utilization of digital tools.

Exploring associations between teacher perceptions of working conditions and immediate professional plans at a Chinese internationalised school

This longitudinal, quantitative study utilised 2019-2022 survey data from teachers at one Chinese internationalised high school in Jiangsu Province, China to examine teachers’ immediate professional plans through the lens of teacher working conditions (TWCs). The relationship between teacher perceptions of working conditions and their immediate professional plans was further explored in light of teachers’ status as international vs local, and the primary factor affecting teachers’ willingness to stay at the school. Results from the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression analysis revealed that teachers planning to leave or move; international teachers; and teachers who indicated primary stay factors (the most important factors affecting teachers’ willingness to continue teaching at the school) of instructional practices and support, school leadership, or time during the work day (adequate time during the school day to plan and collaborate) were associated with lower scores on the overall teacher working conditions perceptions index. These findings add to a growing body of research examining TWCs in international school contexts, specifically within Chinese internationalised schools. Given the transformational shifts these schools have recently experienced due to educational policy changes and COVID-19-related restrictions, school leaders may want to re-examine the organisational characteristics and supports at their schools with an eye toward retaining members of their ethnically heterogeneous teaching faculties.

The Mediating Role of Students' Health Information Literacy Skills: Exploring the Relationship Between Web Resource Utilization and Health Information Evaluation Proficiency.

In an increasingly digital age, students rely heavily on web resources to access health information. However, evaluating the reliability and relevance of such information is crucial for informed decision-making. This study examines the importance of students' health information literacy skills (HILS) as mediators, particularly their ability to utilize web resources and successfully evaluate health information. This research investigates the mediating role of students' HILS in the relationship between their utilization of web resources and their proficiency in evaluating health information. An online survey was distributed to current students at a public university in Bangladesh as part of the data collection process for this study. Using Google Forms, the authors created a structured questionnaire. The survey was distributed through Messenger groups, Facebook pages and email invitations to reach the target audience effectively. The researchers thoroughly analysed the gathered data using structural equation modelling (SEM) techniques and SmartPLS-4 software to look for correlations between the variables. The study revealed that among the 122 participants, a significant number (N = 47) accessed internet health information on an occasional basis, whereas 30 individuals reported using it infrequently. The data revealed that 58 individuals, accounting for 47.5% of the sample, possessed the necessary abilities to access and assess online health information. Additionally, 57 participants, representing 46.7% of the sample, demonstrated proficiency in conducting online health information searches. The measurement model demonstrated good convergent validity, as evidenced by composite reliability (CR)scores and Cronbach's ⍺ values over 0.700 and an average extracted variance (AVE) of 0.500. The structural model demonstrated R2values exceeding 0.1, thus validating its dependable forecasting capability. Notable effects were seen, with f2values of 0.335 and 0.317 for the challenges in accessing and evaluating health information (CAEHI) to health information evaluation (HIE) and CAEHI to HILSrelationships, respectively. The mediation analysis found that HILS act as a mediator between types of web resources (TWRs) and HIE, with TWR having an indirect impact on HIE through HILS. The result supports all hypotheses. Therefore, it is evident that students' HILS mediate the relationship between utilization of web resources and their proficiency in evaluating health information. This study's findings could significantly impact instructional practices meant to raise students' health information literacy. This initiative seeks to enable students to make informed decisions about their health by providing them with the necessary tools to analyse and evaluate health-related information. Research on health information literacy can assist patients and the general public by instructing them on how to assess trustworthy online health resources. Students gave insightful feedback that assisted in shaping the study and guaranteeing its relevancy. If they better comprehend health information literacy, patients and the general public can use web-based resources and critically evaluate health information more accurately.

The Complex Relationship between Teachers' Instructional Practices and Students' Reading Amount

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to develop understanding of the relation between instructional practices and students' reading amount. As part of a larger mixed‐methods study of reading practices across the curriculum in Swedish compulsory school, a selection of 14 classes from Grades 6 and 9 were observed over a total of 59 lessons. The data generated were coded and analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative methods. The results reveal a great variation in teachers' instructional practices which is shown to have both direct and more indirect consequences for students' reading amount. By combining the results from quantitative and qualitative analyses in the light of Self‐Determination Theory, the study shows that most reading is done in classrooms where teachers manage to fulfill students' need for competence, relatedness, and autonomy while maintaining classroom structure and ensuring lesson time for reading. The findings are discussed considering previous research on instructional practices in relation to students' reading motivation and reading amount, adding to our understanding of what makes students read in everyday classrooms. Limitations of the study, directions for further research, and implications for practice are also discussed.

IMPROVING HISTORY LEARNING OUTCOMES THROUGH THE THINK PAIR AND SHARE TYPE COOPERATIVE LEARNING MODEL IN CLASS XI IPS 1 SMAN 2 MEDAN

This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the Think Pair and Share cooperative learning model in improving history learning outcomes in class XI IPS 1 SMA Negeri 2 Medan. The research method used was a pre-experiment with a one-group pretest-posttest design. The research sample consisted of 30 students randomly selected from class XI IPS 1. The instrument used was a test of history learning outcomes before and after the intervention. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. The research results show a significant increase in history learning outcomes after implementing the Think Pair and Share cooperative learning model. These findings indicate that the model is effective in improving understanding and retention of historical material. The practical implication of this research is that a cooperative approach can be an effective alternative to improving history learning outcomes in high schools, especially at SMA Negeri 2 Medan. Future research can explore the influence of other factors that can influence the successful implementation of the cooperative learning model. Through collaboration between researchers, educators, and other stakeholders, continued efforts to integrate cooperative learning models into curricula and instructional practices can strengthen the positive impact of this approach. In this way, we can continue to improve the quality of history education and prepare students to become citizens who are skilled, critical, and knowledgeable about their history and cultural heritage.

A Structural Equation Modeling of the Impact of Teacher Self-Efficacy on Teachers' Teaching Practice in Saudi Arabia: Evidence from TALIS 2018

This paper intends to investigate the causal relationship between teachers' self-efficacy and teacher teaching practices in Saudi Arabia using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) based on the public database of the Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS 2018). In this study, 2744 teachers responded to the survey, representing lower secondary in mainstream public and private schools in Saudi Arabia. Based on the literature review and the exploratory factor analysis presented in the TALIS 2018 technical report, three constructs represent teacher teaching practices including (clarity of instructional, cognitive activation, and classroom management practices). Teacher self-efficacy includes two constructs (classroom management efficacy and instruction efficacy). After applying structural equation modeling, the main finding indicates a positive influence of teacher self-efficacy on the clarity of instructional practices, cognitive activation practices, and classroom management practices.

Systematic Literature Review (SLR) on the Influence of Educational Policies on Learning Outcomes and Pedagogical Practices

This systematic review critically navigates the complex landscapes of educational policies and their pervasive influence on pedagogical practices and learning outcomes. Through a careful examination of global educational courses, the analysis uncovers comprehensive interplays between historical, socio-political, and economic dimensions, reflecting transformative shifts from state-centric paradigms towards neoliberal influences and global networks. The analytical study uncovers a convergence towards universal educational goals, alongside evident divergences marked by regional, contextual, and cultural variances, substantially influencing policy enactments and interpretations. Pedagogical dimensions resonate with the impacts of policy imprints, manifesting in instructional practices, curricular designs, and evaluative frameworks. Meanwhile, policies emerge as potent architects, influencing educational experiences, trajectories, and competencies. At the same time, the complex interplay between educators and policies unveils spheres of negotiations and enactments, positioning educators as critical conduits of policy transmission and enactment. Summarily, this analysis advocates for dynamic, responsive, and collaborative policy environments, enriched by contextual relevance, educator agency, and continuous evaluative reflexivities.

Understanding Appropriate and Applicable Sex Education Instruction for People With Intellectual Disability

Although individuals with intellectual disability need sex education, little is known about the instructional practices of sex educators. To fill this gap and explore how instruction is appropriate and applicable to individuals with intellectual disability, we interviewed 58 sex educators about their instruction. Using thematic analysis, we identified four themes: (a) Deciding how to individualize: “A lot of my students have receptive skills, but don’t have a lot of verbal skills. I don’t need them verbal,” (b) Applicability to real life: “I want to teach them behaviors they can use,” (c) Conceptualizations of age: “Depends on the age and how much the person’s going to understand,” and (d) Strategies and challenges of assessing practice: “I don’t know how to measure sexuality.” Study findings elucidate the lived experiences of sex educators so we might learn and better support individuals with intellectual disability.

ESL Instructional Practices and Teacher Preparation: A Mixed Methods Study at a Chinese International High School

This mixed methods study investigates ESL instructional practices at Shenzhen Experimental High School, a Chinese international secondary institution. The findings will provide data-driven insights into optimal teaching methods for Chinese adolescent ELLs. This holds significant implications for enhancing teacher preparation and professional development programs in international schools striving to meet the needs of diverse linguistic learners at Shenzhen Experimental to identify areas for improved professional development tailored to this context. The goal is informing data-driven reforms to enhance outcomes for the schools adolescent English language learners (ELLs). This research also provides an important foundation and model for future inquiries illuminating the multidimensional competencies that enable ESL teachers to create inclusive, linguistically responsive learning environments.

We’re all just looking at the stars; how behavioral economics helps us understand the barriers to education programming in Tanzania

PurposeWe’re all just looking at the stars; how behavioral economics helps us understand the barriers to education programming in Tanzania.Design/methodology/approachThis article uses a qualitative approach to explore the behaviorally normed barriers to quality classroom instruction that contribute towards low learning outcomes. Themed text analysis was applied to qualitative secondary data from seventeen classroom observations and teacher interviews collected from low-performing schools in rural Tanzania.FindingsIt was found that teachers in poor-performing schools in Tanzania were focused on the delivery of curriculum and pedagogy, with a misplaced belief that their pupils were performing adequately. The study found no evidence of teacher resistance to change; instead, the teachers were content and often happy to implement the reading program, believing that teaching phonics-based instruction improved their teaching approach. Teachers sought confirmation of their quality instructional practice from convenient yet inaccurate sources that did not include effective pupil assessment.Research limitations/implicationsAs a result of the chosen research approach, findings may lack generalizability.Practical implicationsWhile existing models of teacher change rely on logic and reason for decision-making, this paper provides evidence that teacher models of change are much more complex and irrational, aligned more closely with insights from behavioral economics (BE). Additionally, this paper justifies that traditional research frameworks that study what works provide an incomplete picture to support effective program improvement.Originality/valueThe application of behavioral economics to research and education programming focused on reducing the restraining forces rather than pushing incentives and other program components.

Let’s Edit: Using Wikipedia Edit-a-thons as Vehicles for Information Literacy

This article explores the integration of Wikipedia into information literacy instruction through the use of edit-a-thons, highlighting its potential despite historical skepticism from librarians. Wikipedia's mission aligns with librarianship’s core values of providing free access to information, yet its open-source nature challenges traditional notions of authority and reliability. The article advocates for leveraging Wikipedia as a tool for active learning, specifically to enhance students' understanding of the American College and Research Libraries’ (ACRL) information literacy frames. By hosting edit-a-thons, librarians can engage students in hands-on activities that improve their skills in evaluating sources and understanding authority. The article provides practical recommendations for conducting successful edit-a-thons, including creating Edit Guides, embracing the social aspects of these events, and using Wikipedia-Integrated Outreach Dashboards for program evaluation. Ultimately, it argues that Wikipedia can significantly contribute to information literacy education and suggests strategies for librarians to effectively incorporate it into their instructional practices.